93 Cherokee Frnt end shaking/clicking

[Intabus]

Searched around to see if there was an answer to my problem and i think i may have found something close, but i wanted to ask and be 100% sure in case there is other options i may have missed.

I have a 1993 Cherokee. it has 198k miles on it. It gets driven lightly and less than 15 miles a week are put on it. It has no modifications such as lift kits or anything like that. For a while it had a clicking sound as i drove, well, turns out that clicking sound was the passenger side wheel wobbling on the lugnuts as the shop that replaced my tires decided not to tighten the lug nuts down enough. So after finding some metal shavings i found that problem and tightened the lugs down.

Fast forward several months ( previous story im not sure if its relevant or ralted hence why i put it there.) Now i have the same clicking sound, but it is much louder, and it accompanied by a violent wobble/shake. The clicking and the wobble both get more intense the faster i travel. Anything over 20 mph feels like the car is having a seizure. and honestly im not comfortable driving it over 10 in its current state.

I did some research and looking around and have come up with what i think may be partially the solution but i wanted a second opinion before i take it in to get replaced (not alot of money so want to tell them exactly what to look for so they dont tell me to repair several things). I looked underneath and found what i beleive to be the sway bar bushings are cracked, and lo and behold, the bushing that would be on the tip closest to the axel, is missing. I have not lifted the front end up and seen if this has some play, but considering i read sway bar bushing's may contribute to "Death Wobble" i figured that is my best bet.

So my real question after all this, is; Can the bushings on a sway bar being gone, cause it to very violently wobble and click at speeds sub 15mph? It clicks and wobbles slightly as i idle drive (not sure if thats what its called, but putting the jeep in drive and letting off the brake but not hitting gas.)

If this is the problem, it seems an easy fix. I downloaded a 93 cherokee repair manual and seems i could accomplish a bushing replace in a short amount of time on my own but i want to make sure its a feasable option before i undertake it.



TY for taking the time to read my book. Any answers are greatly appreciated, and i will answer any questions as best i can.

[Jmrec100]

I'd be interested in any ideas too. I think my shaking is unbalanced tires, or front end alignment because mine shakes at 60mph. Typically unbalanced tires. But the other issues you describe are ones I need to check also..
Anyone out there have a comment?

[kelshm]

I'm assuming that you have already checked that the wheel that was loose a few months ago isn't loose again??

I would get the front tires off the ground and try to find loose parts. Grab a tire and slowly wobble back and forth and then have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you watch for play in the steering components.

There are multiple things that could be going on but I would do this part first. That way you can tell us where the loose parts are, enabling a much more accurate diagnosis. I recommend this to both of the posting members.

[kelshm]

Just a quick PS.....I would NOT be driving this Jeep until this was fixed. It isn't important enough to drive it to potentially get yourself or someone else killed.

[Jmrec100]

It just happened a couple of days ago. I was driving down the road and hit a patch of rough road, patched pothole etc. Very short distance. It shook the whole car!!! I quickly turned to my right, slowed down and it disappeared. I pulled over and looked underneath but didn't see anything really out of order. What, and how should I check it. Wheels are tight. Turned the steering wheel, seems like it "moves" ok.
Bad bushing? Suggestions please. Examples of what a bad bushing or tie rod or whatever would really be appreciated!

[fredjacksonsan]

First, I'd suggest starting a new thread, you'll get more views.

My thoughts:

sway bar bushings/links

wheel stud - although the wheels are on tight, one of the studs could be cracked.

Check those and post back.